Kelly Berger is a former American lacrosse midfielder known for her successful college career at James Madison University and her international appearances with the United States women’s national team.
Kelly Berger finished her James Madison career with 262 points, placing her among the most productive players in the program’s history. She later represented Team USA at the highest level of women’s field lacrosse and was part of the American teams that won world championships in 2013 and 2017.
Her career also included coaching positions at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, commonly known as UMBC. In recognition of her collegiate accomplishments, Berger was inducted into the James Madison Athletics Hall of Fame.
Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kelly Berger |
| Profession | Former lacrosse player and coach |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1985 |
| Age | 41 years old |
| Birthplace | Columbia, Maryland, United States |
| Birth Sign | Pisces |
| Nationality | American |
| Playing Position | Midfielder |
| High School | Hammond High School |
| College | James Madison University |
| College Playing Years | 2004–2007 |
| National Team | United States |
| World Championships | 2013 and 2017 |
| Career Points at JMU | 262 |
| Notable Honor | James Madison Athletics Hall of Fame |
| Brother | Stephen Berger |
| Former Husband | Paul Rabil |
Early Life and Background
Kelly Berger was born on February 24, 1985, and was raised in Columbia, Maryland. She attended Hammond High School, where she developed into a leading lacrosse player.
Kelly Berger also participated in basketball, soccer, and dance during her youth. Her varied athletic background contributed to the speed, coordination, and field awareness that later defined her play as a midfielder.
Lacrosse was also part of her family life. Her brother, Stephen Berger, played midfield and became an accomplished college lacrosse player at Washington College.
After high school, Kelly Berger enrolled at James Madison University. She studied kinesiology with a concentration in sports management and completed a minor in business while competing for the university’s women’s lacrosse team.
Career and Professional Journey
James Madison University Career
Berger played for the James Madison Dukes from 2004 through 2007. She became a regular contributor early in her college career and developed into one of the program’s most productive attacking midfielders.
Across 73 appearances, she recorded 184 goals and 78 assists for a total of 262 career points. At the end of her playing career, she ranked second in James Madison history in both goals and total points.
Kelly Berger helped the Dukes win two Colonial Athletic Association championships and reach the NCAA tournament twice. Her ability to score, create opportunities for teammates, and contribute throughout the midfield made her an important part of the team’s success.
Her strongest individual season came in 2006. She was named the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year and received the conference tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.
Kelly Berger earned First-Team All-America recognition in 2006 and Third-Team All-America honors in 2007. These selections established her as one of the leading players in college lacrosse during the final years of her James Madison career.
United States National Team
Berger entered the United States national-team development system during the 2005–06 cycle. She later progressed to the elite program and participated with the American touring team that won the Prague Cup in 2008.
Her selection represented an important milestone for James Madison lacrosse. She became the first player from the university to reach the United States senior women’s national team.
Berger was named to the American roster for the 2013 women’s lacrosse world championship in Oshawa, Ontario. Playing in midfield, she helped the United States complete an undefeated tournament and defeat Canada 19–5 in the championship game.
She returned to international competition as a member of the 2017 United States world championship team. The Americans again defeated Canada in the final, winning 10–5 and securing another global title.
The two championships placed Berger among a select group of players to represent the United States on multiple title-winning teams.
Coaching Career at UMBC
After completing her collegiate playing career, Berger moved into coaching. She joined the UMBC women’s lacrosse program as an assistant coach in 2007.
Her experience as an elite midfielder allowed her to work with players on offensive development, movement, and game preparation. She continued to compete within the national-team system while building her coaching career.
Kelly Berger later became UMBC’s head women’s lacrosse coach. She led the Retrievers for three seasons and compiled an overall record of 30 wins and 23 losses.
Her team won 11 games during her first season as head coach. She resigned from the position in 2012, ending a coaching tenure that followed directly from her successful playing career.
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Work in Fitness and Training
Kelly Berger has also worked in fitness and athletic training. This work drew on her background in kinesiology, coaching, and elite competition.
Publicly documented information about her later professional activities is limited. Her most established career achievements remain connected to lacrosse, coaching, and athletic development.
Major Achievements and Recognition
Two-Time World Champion
Kelly Berger’s most significant international accomplishments were her world championship victories with Team USA in 2013 and 2017.
Both tournaments ended with the United States defeating Canada in the final. Berger’s presence on two championship rosters reflected her longevity and standing within the national program.
James Madison Records
Berger completed her college career with 262 points, consisting of 184 goals and 78 assists. Those figures placed her among the leading offensive players in James Madison history.
Her production was achieved across four seasons and included contributions to two conference championships and two NCAA tournament appearances.
All-America and Conference Honors
Berger was selected as an All-American twice. She earned first-team recognition in 2006 and third-team honors in 2007.
She was also named the 2006 Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of that season’s conference tournament.
These awards recognized both her individual performance and her influence on James Madison’s team success.
James Madison Athletics Hall of Fame
Berger was inducted into the James Madison Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 2017 class.
The honor recognized her scoring records, All-America selections, conference achievements, and later success with the United States national team. Her induction confirmed her status as one of the most accomplished players in the history of the university’s women’s lacrosse program.
Personal Life
Berger married fellow lacrosse player Paul Rabil in January 2014. Their marriage later ended in divorce, and Rabil is therefore identified as her former husband.
Verified public information about Berger’s current relationships and private life is limited. Her biography is most clearly documented through her playing, coaching, and international lacrosse achievements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kelly Berger?
Kelly Berger is 41 years old. Her reported date of birth is February 24, 1985, and she was born in Columbia, Maryland.
Where did Kelly Berger play college lacrosse?
Berger played at James Madison University from 2004 through 2007. She recorded 184 goals, 78 assists, and 262 total points during her collegiate career.
Did Kelly Berger play for Team USA?
Yes. Berger competed for the United States women’s national team and was part of the American squads that won the 2013 and 2017 world championships.
What position did Kelly Berger play?
Berger played midfield. She was known for combining scoring ability with passing, movement, and contributions across multiple areas of the field.
Was Kelly Berger married to Paul Rabil?
Berger married professional lacrosse player Paul Rabil in 2014. The marriage later ended in divorce, making Rabil her former husband.
Conclusion
Kelly Berger built a distinguished lacrosse career through sustained success at the collegiate and international levels. At James Madison University, she scored 262 career points, earned two All-America selections, and helped the Dukes win two conference championships.
She later represented the United States on world championship teams in 2013 and 2017. Her career also included assistant and head-coaching roles at UMBC.
Berger’s induction into the James Madison Athletics Hall of Fame recognized her statistical achievements, national honors, and contribution to the university’s lacrosse history. Her record places her among the notable American midfielders of her era.
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